Deepa Pakianathan peeks out from her custom Alexander McQueen 'cage' in her Andrew Gn gown as she arrives to the 91st San Francisco Season-Opening Opera Gala in San Francisco Calif. on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013. Pakianathan said her head piece only arrived the morning of the event and she was worried she wouldn't receive it in time. less

Deepa Pakianathan peeks out from her custom Alexander McQueen 'cage' in her Andrew Gn gown as she arrives to the 91st San Francisco Season-Opening Opera Gala in San Francisco Calif. on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013. ... more

Opera Ball co-chairwoman Mai Sharif Shiver (left) enters The War Memorial Opera House with Charles Githler and Elisabeth Thieriot for the 91st San Francisco Season-Opening Opera Gala performance in San Francisco Calif. on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013. less

Opera Ball co-chairwoman Mai Sharif Shiver (left) enters The War Memorial Opera House with Charles Githler and Elisabeth Thieriot for the 91st San Francisco Season-Opening Opera Gala performance in San ... more

Designer and event planner Colin Cowie stands inside City Hall, which he transformed into the 'Garden of Good and Evil' for the San Francisco Opera's 91st season-opening gala on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013. Cowie wore a vintage Kenzo tuxedo, a custom shirt by Luke Sweeney, cufflinks from Jacob & Co. His tie is courtesy of the Colin Cowie art department. less

Designer and event planner Colin Cowie stands inside City Hall, which he transformed into the 'Garden of Good and Evil' for the San Francisco Opera's 91st season-opening gala on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013. Cowie ... more

Yahoo! CEO Marissa Mayer, left, and Jennifer Siebel Newsom stand for a photograph during the 91st Season Opening Night of the San Francisco Opera at War Memorial Opera House in San Francisco, Calif. on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013. less

Yahoo! CEO Marissa Mayer, left, and Jennifer Siebel Newsom stand for a photograph during the 91st Season Opening Night of the San Francisco Opera at War Memorial Opera House in San Francisco, Calif. on Friday, ... more

Angelique Griepp in a gown by Valentino
during the 91st Season Opening Night Gala of the San Francisco Opera at City Hall in San Francisco, Calif. on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013.

Angelique Griepp in a gown by Valentino
during the 91st Season Opening Night Gala of the San Francisco Opera at City Hall in San Francisco, Calif. on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013.

Photo: Stephen Lam, Special To The Chronicle

Angelique Griepp in a gown by Valentino
during the 91st Season... Photo-5151024.69763 - NewsTimes

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President of Banana Republic, Inc. Jack Calhoun and his partner Trent Norris pose as they enter San Francisco City Hall for the 91st San Francisco Season Opening Opera Gala on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013. Calhoun was of course wearing a custom Banana Republic suit. less

President of Banana Republic, Inc. Jack Calhoun and his partner Trent Norris pose as they enter San Francisco City Hall for the 91st San Francisco Season Opening Opera Gala on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013. Calhoun ... more

Photo: Alex Washburn, Special To The Chronicle

President of Banana Republic, Inc. Jack Calhoun and his partner... Photo-5151013.69763 - NewsTimes

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Raj and Sujata Pherwani arrive in style to the 91st San Francisco Season Opening Opera Gala in San Francisco Calif. on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013. The Pherwanis are from Belvedere and were attending the Opera Gala for the first time. less

Raj and Sujata Pherwani arrive in style to the 91st San Francisco Season Opening Opera Gala in San Francisco Calif. on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013. The Pherwanis are from Belvedere and were attending the Opera Gala ... more

Photo: Alex Washburn, Special To The Chronicle

Raj and Sujata Pherwani arrive in style to the 91st San Francisco... Photo-5151019.69763 - NewsTimes

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Glen Ross and Claudia Ross (not married) arrive to the 91st San Francisco Season Opening Opera Gala in San Francisco Calif. on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013. Glen was wearing Armani and Claudia sparkled in a gold Donna Karan. less

Glen Ross and Claudia Ross (not married) arrive to the 91st San Francisco Season Opening Opera Gala in San Francisco Calif. on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013. Glen was wearing Armani and Claudia sparkled in a gold ... more

(L-R) Christopher Koelsch, Holly Nuckols, and John Nuckols take photographs of friends during the 91st Season Opening Night Gala of the San Francisco Opera at City Hall in San Francisco, Calif. on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013. less

(L-R) Christopher Koelsch, Holly Nuckols, and John Nuckols take photographs of friends during the 91st Season Opening Night Gala of the San Francisco Opera at City Hall in San Francisco, Calif. on Friday, Sept. ... more

Libby Leffler in a gown and clutch by Azadeh and heels by Jimmy Choo during the 91st Season Opening Night Gala of the San Francisco Opera at City Hall in San Francisco, Calif. on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013.

Libby Leffler in a gown and clutch by Azadeh and heels by Jimmy Choo during the 91st Season Opening Night Gala of the San Francisco Opera at City Hall in San Francisco, Calif. on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013.

Photo: Stephen Lam, Special To The Chronicle

Libby Leffler in a gown and clutch by Azadeh and heels by Jimmy... Photo-5151404.69763 - NewsTimes

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Detail of Libby Leffler's clutch by Azadeh during the 91st Season Opening Night Gala of the San Francisco Opera at City Hall in San Francisco, Calif. on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013.

Detail of Libby Leffler's clutch by Azadeh during the 91st Season Opening Night Gala of the San Francisco Opera at City Hall in San Francisco, Calif. on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013.

Photo: Stephen Lam, Special To The Chronicle

Detail of Libby Leffler's clutch by Azadeh during the 91st... Photo-5151402.69763 - NewsTimes

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(L-R) Sharyl Montague in a gown by Ann Demeulemeester, Jill Grossman in a gown by BCBG and Robin Laub in a gown by Rock & Republic during the 91st Season Opening Night Gala of the San Francisco Opera at City Hall in San Francisco, Calif. on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013. less

(L-R) Sharyl Montague in a gown by Ann Demeulemeester, Jill Grossman in a gown by BCBG and Robin Laub in a gown by Rock & Republic during the 91st Season Opening Night Gala of the San Francisco Opera at City ... more

Darren Bechtel and Samantha DuVall pose for a photograph at the 91st San Francisco Season-Opening Opera Gala in San Francisco Calif. on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013. The couple stood out in a bespoke suit and Azadeh gown. less

Darren Bechtel and Samantha DuVall pose for a photograph at the 91st San Francisco Season-Opening Opera Gala in San Francisco Calif. on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013. The couple stood out in a bespoke suit and Azadeh ... more

San Francisco Opera Guild Co-Chair Mai Shiver, left, and Ann Girard stand for a photo during the 91st Season Opening Night Gala of the San Francisco Opera at City Hall in San Francisco, Calif. on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013. less

San Francisco Opera Guild Co-Chair Mai Shiver, left, and Ann Girard stand for a photo during the 91st Season Opening Night Gala of the San Francisco Opera at City Hall in San Francisco, Calif. on Friday, Sept. ... more

(L-R) Claudia Ross in a gown by Donna Karan, Elisabeth Thieriot in a gown by Zac Posen, and Lora du Bain in a Vintage Nina Ricci gown
during the 91st Season Opening Night of the San Francisco Opera at War Memorial Opera House in San Francisco, Calif. on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013. less

(L-R) Claudia Ross in a gown by Donna Karan, Elisabeth Thieriot in a gown by Zac Posen, and Lora du Bain in a Vintage Nina Ricci gown
during the 91st Season Opening Night of the San Francisco Opera at War ... more

Marybeth La Motte in Vera Wang (left) and Kimberlee Sharp Dutto in Monique Lhuillier (right) on the steps of City Hall after arriving to the 91st San Francisco Season-Opening Opera Gala in San Francisco Calif. on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013. less

Marybeth La Motte in Vera Wang (left) and Kimberlee Sharp Dutto in Monique Lhuillier (right) on the steps of City Hall after arriving to the 91st San Francisco Season-Opening Opera Gala in San Francisco Calif. ... more

A performer dressed as a butterfly wearing stilts entertains guests at the 91st San Francisco Season Opening Opera Gala at City Hall on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013. The decor designed by Colin Cowie was themed 'The Garden of Good and Evil'. less

A performer dressed as a butterfly wearing stilts entertains guests at the 91st San Francisco Season Opening Opera Gala at City Hall on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013. The decor designed by Colin Cowie was themed 'The ... more

A live performer entertains guests at the 91st San Francisco Season Opening Opera Gala at City Hall on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013. The decor designed by Colin Cowie was themed 'The Garden of Good and Evil'.

A live performer entertains guests at the 91st San Francisco Season Opening Opera Gala at City Hall on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013. The decor designed by Colin Cowie was themed 'The Garden of Good and Evil'.

Photo: Alex Washburn, Special To The Chronicle

A live performer entertains guests at the 91st San Francisco Season... Photo-5151014.69763 - NewsTimes

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Jennifer Siebel Newsom, left, and Dr. Alan Malouf stand for a photo during the 91st Season Opening Night of the San Francisco Opera at War Memorial Opera House in San Francisco, Calif. on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013.

Jennifer Siebel Newsom, left, and Dr. Alan Malouf stand for a photo during the 91st Season Opening Night of the San Francisco Opera at War Memorial Opera House in San Francisco, Calif. on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013.

Patricia Mapipi reads a copy of the Opera program during the 91st Season Opening Night of the San Francisco Opera at War Memorial Opera House in San Francisco, Calif. on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013.

Patricia Mapipi reads a copy of the Opera program during the 91st Season Opening Night of the San Francisco Opera at War Memorial Opera House in San Francisco, Calif. on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013.

Photo: Stephen Lam, Special To The Chronicle

Patricia Mapipi reads a copy of the Opera program during the 91st... Photo-5151023.69763 - NewsTimes

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(L-R) Anton Hottmer and Alice Liu, of San Francisco, shares a kiss as Jana Kohlrusch, and Moreika Moje, of Germany wait for 91st Season Opening Night of the San Francisco Opera at War Memorial Opera House in San Francisco, Calif. on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013. less

(L-R) Anton Hottmer and Alice Liu, of San Francisco, shares a kiss as Jana Kohlrusch, and Moreika Moje, of Germany wait for 91st Season Opening Night of the San Francisco Opera at War Memorial Opera House in ... more

Ann Ziff holds her Judith Leiber clutch at the 91st San Francisco Season-Opening Opera Gala in San Francisco Calif. on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013. Ziff's flowered clutch matched the decor theme of 'The Garden of Good and Evil'. less

Attendees look out from the second floor balcony during the 91st Season Opening Night Gala of the San Francisco Opera at War Memorial Opera House in San Francisco, Calif. on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013.

Attendees look out from the second floor balcony during the 91st Season Opening Night Gala of the San Francisco Opera at War Memorial Opera House in San Francisco, Calif. on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013.

Photo: Stephen Lam, Special To The Chronicle

Attendees look out from the second floor balcony during the 91st... Photo-5151355.69763 - NewsTimes

Image 42 of 102

Performers perform on the steps of the City Hall rotunda during the 91st Season Opening Night Gala of the San Francisco Opera at City Hall in San Francisco, Calif. on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013.

Performers perform on the steps of the City Hall rotunda during the 91st Season Opening Night Gala of the San Francisco Opera at City Hall in San Francisco, Calif. on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013.

Photo: Stephen Lam, Special To The Chronicle

Performers perform on the steps of the City Hall rotunda during the... Photo-5151361.69763 - NewsTimes

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Clara Shayevich in a gown by Vasily Vein at the 91st San Francisco Season-Opening Opera Gala in San Francisco Calif. on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013.

Clara Shayevich in a gown by Vasily Vein at the 91st San Francisco Season-Opening Opera Gala in San Francisco Calif. on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013.

Photo: Alex Washburn, Special To The Chronicle

Clara Shayevich in a gown by Vasily Vein at the 91st San Francisco... Photo-5151953.69763 - NewsTimes

Image 44 of 102

Libby Leffler, left, shares a conversation with Bilques Smith, right, during the 91st Season Opening Night Gala of the San Francisco Opera at City Hall in San Francisco, Calif. on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013.

Libby Leffler, left, shares a conversation with Bilques Smith, right, during the 91st Season Opening Night Gala of the San Francisco Opera at City Hall in San Francisco, Calif. on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013.

Nancy Bechtle holds up her Alexander McQueen clutch at the 91st San Francisco Season-Opening Opera Gala in San Francisco Calif. on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013. The theme of the decor for the night was 'The Garden of Good and Evil'. less

Nancy Bechtle holds up her Alexander McQueen clutch at the 91st San Francisco Season-Opening Opera Gala in San Francisco Calif. on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013. The theme of the decor for the night was 'The Garden of ... more

Tanya Powell (left), Joy Bianchi (center) and Suzanne Allen (right) talk during the second intermission of the 91st San Francisco Season-Opening Opera Gala performance in San Francisco Calif. on Friday, Sept. ... more

Karen Caldwell accessorized a gown of her own design with Oscar de la Renta earrings at the 91st San Francisco Season-Opening Opera Gala in San Francisco Calif. on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013.

Karen Caldwell accessorized a gown of her own design with Oscar de la Renta earrings at the 91st San Francisco Season-Opening Opera Gala in San Francisco Calif. on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013.

Photo: Alex Washburn, Special To The Chronicle

Karen Caldwell accessorized a gown of her own design with Oscar de... Photo-5151479.69763 - NewsTimes

Image 49 of 102

A performer dances during cocktail hour at the 91st Season Opening Night Gala of the San Francisco Opera at City Hall in San Francisco, Calif. on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013.

A performer dances during cocktail hour at the 91st Season Opening Night Gala of the San Francisco Opera at City Hall in San Francisco, Calif. on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013.

Photo: Stephen Lam, Special To The Chronicle

A performer dances during cocktail hour at the 91st Season Opening... Photo-5151594.69763 - NewsTimes

Image 50 of 102

Dr. Isha Abdullah, left with husband Asim Abdullah stand for a photo during the 91st Season Opening Night of the San Francisco Opera at War Memorial Opera House in San Francisco, Calif. on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013. less

Dr. Isha Abdullah, left with husband Asim Abdullah stand for a photo during the 91st Season Opening Night of the San Francisco Opera at War Memorial Opera House in San Francisco, Calif. on Friday, Sept. 6, ... more

A woman performs a live sculpture during the 91st Season Opening Night Gala of the San Francisco Opera at City Hall in San Francisco, Calif. on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013.

A woman performs a live sculpture during the 91st Season Opening Night Gala of the San Francisco Opera at City Hall in San Francisco, Calif. on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013.

Photo: Stephen Lam, Special To The Chronicle

A woman performs a live sculpture during the 91st Season Opening... Photo-5151595.69763 - NewsTimes

Image 52 of 102

Barbara and Thomas Klein stand for a photograph during the 91st Season Opening Night Gala of the San Francisco Opera at City Hall in San Francisco, Calif. on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013.

Barbara and Thomas Klein stand for a photograph during the 91st Season Opening Night Gala of the San Francisco Opera at City Hall in San Francisco, Calif. on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013.

Photo: Stephen Lam, Special To The Chronicle

Barbara and Thomas Klein stand for a photograph during the 91st... Photo-5151941.69763 - NewsTimes

Image 53 of 102

Samantha DuVall (left) in Azadeh stands with Barbara Brookins-Schneider (center) and her mother Carolyn Chandler (in Oscar de la Renta) at the 91st San Francisco Season-Opening Opera Gala in San Francisco Calif. on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013. less

Samantha DuVall (left) in Azadeh stands with Barbara Brookins-Schneider (center) and her mother Carolyn Chandler (in Oscar de la Renta) at the 91st San Francisco Season-Opening Opera Gala in San Francisco ... more

Boaz Mazor (of Oscar de la Renta) wears devil embroidered loafers with a tuxedo from Sevile Row at the 91st San Francisco Season-Opening Opera Gala in San Francisco Calif. on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013. The theme of the nights' decorations was 'The Garden of Good and Evil'. less

Boaz Mazor (of Oscar de la Renta) wears devil embroidered loafers with a tuxedo from Sevile Row at the 91st San Francisco Season-Opening Opera Gala in San Francisco Calif. on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013. The theme ... more

Celebrity hair stylist Alex Chases, left, and mom Catherine Speyer stand for a photo during the 91st Season Opening Night of the San Francisco Opera at War Memorial Opera House in San Francisco, Calif. on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013. less

Celebrity hair stylist Alex Chases, left, and mom Catherine Speyer stand for a photo during the 91st Season Opening Night of the San Francisco Opera at War Memorial Opera House in San Francisco, Calif. on ... more

(L-R) Colin Cowie, Mai Shiver, Karen Kubin, Ann Girard, and David Gockley stand for a photograph during the 91st Season Opening Night Gala of the San Francisco Opera at City Hall in San Francisco, Calif. on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013. less

(L-R) Colin Cowie, Mai Shiver, Karen Kubin, Ann Girard, and David Gockley stand for a photograph during the 91st Season Opening Night Gala of the San Francisco Opera at City Hall in San Francisco, Calif. on ... more